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Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez has said that he's apologetic to Under-22 boss Javier Mascherano, as he won't be able to participate in the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Currently in action with the senior Albiceleste side at 2024 Copa America in the United States, Fernandez helped them to the knockouts with a game to spare after winning their opening two games.
Lionel Scaloni's side kicked off their title defence with a 2-0 win over Canada before seeing off 2015-16 champions Chile by the slenderest of margins on Tuesday (June 25) to book their place in the quarterfinals.
Fernandez - who played 64 minutes in the Chile win - has said that he had the approval of former Blues boss Mauricio Pochettino to play the Olympics. But a change of coach in the offseason meant that the Blues revoked their permission to let Fernandez play the Olympics. The 23-year-old said (as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano):
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“I did everything possible to be there, Pochettino had given me the ok… there was a change of coach, and the club changed its position. I did everything possible to be there. I apologise to Mascherano."
Enzo Maresca - who led Leicester City to a Championship triumph and back to the Premier League - has succeeded Pochettino at Stamford Bridge.
How has Enzo Fernandez fared for Argentina?
Enzo Fernandez has been a key player for Argentina since making his senior international debut in a 3-0 friendly win at Honduras in September 2022. He soon earned his call-up for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, his first major international tournamnet.
In La Albiceleste's victorious campaign in Qatar, Fernandez contributed a goal and an assist in seven games. He played every minute of all four knockout games, with two of them going to extra time and penalties, including the win over then defending champions France.
After contributing a goal and an assist in six games in Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign, the Chelsea midfielder made his Copa debut in the 1-0 win over Chile.
